VIRGINIA.
Additions to the Church—An Indian’s Creed—A Good Beginning.
REV. RICHARD TOLMAN, HAMPTON.
Four students united with the church by profession the first Sabbath in May. It is several years since any Communion season has passed without some additions to the church.
The fifteen Indians who have lately joined the school have taken hold of study and of manual labor with commendable zeal, and give promise of becoming good teachers and guides of their race. One of them now shows evidence of Christian character. Their promptness and decision, as to the duties required of them, were put to the test in reference to the use of tobacco, to which they were so strongly attached that, as one of them said:—“There are three things I love: I love God; I love Jesus; I love smoke.” When asked if they would comply with the rules of the school, prohibiting the use of tobacco, after considering the matter awhile in silence, one of them gave an expressive sign that he would cut loose from tobacco; and then all the others gave the same significant pledge—a pledge which, their teacher assures us, they will never break.